Fidget toy

ABSTRACT

A fidget spinner designed to spin in a user&#39;s hand includes a body having a central body portion and a plurality of arms. Each of the arms projects outwardly from the central body portion to present a distal end. A bearing assembly is coupled to the central body portion of the fidget spinner. In addition, a plurality of spherical components are included. Each of the spherical components is rotatably supported adjacent the distal end of a respective one of the arms.

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

This patent application claims priority to and the benefit of U.S.Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 62/513,897 filed Jun. 1, 2017,and entitled “FIDGET TOY,” which is hereby incorporated by reference inits entirety.

FIELD OF THE DISCLOSURE

The field of the disclosure relates generally to toys, and moreparticularly, to fidget toys configured to spin in a user's hand.

BACKGROUND OF THE DISCLOSURE

Many people may find it difficult to passively occupy themselves, forexample, by relaxing, meditating, observing the environment around them,engaging in thought, etc. For many people, it is natural to want to moveor fidget when otherwise unoccupied. This want may be intensified by ourmodern lifestyle that provides ample opportunity to keep oneself busyand/or occupied most of the time. For example, many people may filltheir ‘free time’ by using cellular phones to browse the Internet, playgames, or otherwise keep themselves occupied. In addition, some peoplemay keep their hands busy by playing with coins, pens, paperclips, orthe like. However, such restlessness or fidgeting may become distractingor bothersome to others.

Some people may have a capacity to passively occupy themselves, however,they may occasionally experience periods of stress and/or anxiousnessthat may make it difficult to focus or relax. In such situations, eventhose that otherwise may passively occupy themselves can become restlessor fidgety thereby distracting or bothering others. As such, it isdesirable to provide a means for calming oneself, occupying one's time,and reducing one's restlessness and/or fidgeting that reducesdistraction to others.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DISCLOSURE

This summary is provided to introduce a selection of concepts in asimplified form that are further described in the detailed descriptionbelow. This summary is not intended to identify key features oressential features of the claimed subject matter, nor is it intended tobe used to limit the scope of the claimed subject matter. Other aspectsand advantages of the present invention will be apparent from thefollowing detailed description of the embodiments and the accompanyingdrawing figures.

In one aspect, a fidget spinner is provided. The fidget spinner includesa body having a central body portion and a plurality of arms. Each ofthe arms projects outwardly from the central body portion to present adistal end. The fidget spinner also includes a bearing assembly coupledto the central body portion. Moreover, the fidget spinner includes aplurality of spherical components. Each respective one of the sphericalcomponents is rotatably supported adjacent the distal end of arespective one of the arms.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

These and other features, aspects, and advantages of the presentdisclosure will become better understood when the following detaileddescription is read with reference to the accompanying drawings in whichlike characters represent like parts throughout the drawings, wherein:

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an exemplary spinner toy or fidgetspinner, in accordance with one embodiment of the present disclosure;

FIG. 2 is an exploded perspective view of the fidget spinner shown inFIG. 1;

FIG. 3 is a top view of the fidget spinner shown in FIG. 1;

FIG. 4 is a sectional view of the fidget spinner shown in FIG. 1, takenalong line 4-4 shown in FIG. 3;

FIG. 5 is a sectional view of the fidget spinner shown in FIG. 1, takenalong line 4-4 shown in FIG. 3 and illustrating the threaded graspingcaps;

FIG. 6 is a perspective view of an alternative spinner toy or fidgetspinner, in accordance with another embodiment of the presentdisclosure; and

FIG. 7 is a sectional view of the fidget spinner shown in FIG. 6,substantially similar to FIGS. 4 and 5.

Unless otherwise indicated, the drawings provided herein are meant toillustrate features of embodiments of this disclosure. These featuresare believed to be applicable in a wide variety of systems comprisingone or more embodiments of this disclosure. As such, the drawings arenot meant to include all conventional features known by those ofordinary skill in the art to be required for the practice of theembodiments disclosed herein. While the drawings do not necessarilyprovide exact dimensions or tolerances for the illustrated components orstructures, the drawings are to scale with respect to the relationshipsbetween the components of the structures illustrated in the drawings.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DISCLOSURE

The following detailed description of embodiments of the inventionreferences the accompanying figures. The embodiments are intended todescribe aspects of the invention in sufficient detail to enable thosewith ordinary skill in the art to practice the invention. Theembodiments of the invention are illustrated by way of example and notby way of limitation. Other embodiments may be utilized, and changes maybe made without departing from the scope of the claims. The followingdescription is, therefore, not limiting. It is contemplated that theinvention has general application to identifying and verifying entitiesrequesting access to confidential information and/or financial services.The scope of the present invention is defined only by the appendedclaims, along with the full scope of equivalents to which such claimsare entitled.

In this description, references to “one embodiment,” “an embodiment,” or“embodiments” mean that the feature or features referred to are includedin at least one embodiment of the invention. Separate references to “oneembodiment,” “an embodiment,” or “embodiments” in this description donot necessarily refer to the same embodiment and are not mutuallyexclusive unless so stated. Specifically, a feature, component, action,step, etc. described in one embodiment may also be included in otherembodiments but is not necessarily included. Thus, particularimplementations of the present disclosure can include a variety ofcombinations and/or integrations of the embodiments described herein.

In the following specification and the claims, reference will be made toseveral terms, which shall be defined to have the following meanings.The singular forms “a,” “an,” and “the” include plural references unlessthe context clearly dictates otherwise. “Optional” or “optionally” meansthat the subsequently described event or circumstance may or may notoccur, and that the description includes instances where the eventoccurs and instances where it does not.

Approximating language, as used herein throughout the specification andthe claims, may be applied to modify any quantitative representationthat could permissibly vary without resulting in a change in the basicfunction to which it is related. Accordingly, a value modified by a termor terms, such as “about,” “approximately,” and “substantially” are notto be limited to the precise value specified. In at least someinstances, the approximating language may correspond to the precision ofan instrument for measuring the value. Here and throughout thespecification and claims, range limitations may be combined and/orinterchanged, such ranges are identified and include all the sub-rangescontained therein unless context or language indicates otherwise.

As used herein, directions perpendicular to the center rotational axis20 (shown in FIG. 1) will be referred to by the phrases and terms“radial direction,” “radial,” or “radially.” Directions parallel to thecenter rotation axis will be referred to by the phrases and terms “axialdirection,” “axial,” or “axially.” Moreover, directional references,such as, “top,” “bottom,” “front,” “back,” “side,” and similar terms areused herein solely for convenience and should be understood only inrelation to each other. For example, a component might in practice beoriented such that faces referred to herein as “top” and “bottom” are inpractice sideways, angled, inverted, etc. relative to the chosen frameof reference.

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an exemplary spinner toy or fidgetspinner 10, FIG. 2 is an exploded perspective view of the fidget spinner10, FIG. 3 is a top view of the fidget spinner 10, and FIG. 4 is asectional view of the fidget spinner 10 taken along line 4-4 show inFIG. 3.

In the exemplary embodiment, the fidget spinner 10 includes a body 12having an annular central body portion 14 with a centrally mountedbearing assembly 16 positioned within a central aperture 18. The fidgetspinner 10 also includes a plurality of spherical components 24 coupledto the body 12. The central aperture 18 is substantially centered on thebody 12 of the fidget spinner 10 and is defined therethrough and definesa center rotational axis 20 of the body 12. The bearing assembly 16 alsoincludes a pair of grasping caps 22. Specifically, the grasping caps 22are positioned on the top (or the opposite axial sides), respectively,of the body 12. The grasping caps 22 are rotatable relative to the body12. For example, the body 12 of the fidget spinner 10 may rotate aboutthe center rotational axis 20 when a user grasps the two grasping caps22 with his or her hand. Specifically, the body 12 may rotate relativeto the grasping caps 22 when the grasping caps 22 are held or squeezedbetween a user's thumb and finger.

In the exemplary embodiment, the body 12 is generally planar, having asubstantially constant thickness T₁, as best illustrated in FIG. 4. Withreference to FIG. 3, the central body portion 14 is substantiallycircular in shape. Extending outwardly from the central body portion 14are a plurality of arms 26. In the illustrated example, there are threearms 26 equidistantly spaced angularly apart, although the body 12 mayhave fewer or more arms 26 and/or uneven arm spacing in otherembodiments. In embodiments with fewer or more arms 26, it is noted thatthe arms 26 are most preferably equidistantly spaced angularly apart tofacilitate smooth spinning of the fidget spinner 10.

As shown in FIG. 3, each of the arms 26 is coupled to the central bodyportion 14, thereby extending radially outward from the central bodyportion 14. In the exemplary embodiment, the arms 26 are integrallyformed with the central body portion 14. The arms 26 are substantiallythe same size and shape and each arm 26 includes a substantiallycircular portion defining a distal end 28 thereof. In the illustratedembodiment, the arms 26 are substantially equal in length such that thedistal ends 28 are spaced approximately the same distance from thecenter rotational axis 20. Furthermore, each of the arms 26 include acomponent-receiving opening 30 positioned adjacent the distal end 28 forrotatably receiving a respectively one of the spherical components 24.

In this illustrated embodiment, each arm 26 includes the circularportion of the body that intersects with the central body portion 14.Each of the circular portions defining a respective arm 26 is situatedsuch that the center point thereof lies along a radius of the centralbody portion 14 and the circular portion is symmetric relative to suchradius. However, the principles of the present invention are equallyapplicable to “offset” arms (i.e., arms that are symmetric relative tothe intersecting radius). Similarly, for alternatively shaped arms(e.g., elongated arms having a single main extension intersecting thecentral body portion 14), it is within the ambit of certain aspects ofthe present invention for the arm(s) to extend at an angle or beotherwise offset to the radiuses.

As best shown in FIG. 4, each component-receiving opening 30 includes anannular inner wall 32. The inner wall 32 preferably has a shape thatcomplements the shape of the spherical component 24. In this illustratedembodiment, the inner wall 32 is generally frusto-spherically shaped forreceiving and retaining the spherical component 24 therein. A gap 34 isdefined between the inner wall 32 and the spherical component 24 tofacilitate spherical rotation of the spherical component 24.

In the exemplary embodiment, as illustrated in FIG. 4, a central plane36 is defined extending through the generally planar body 12 at half thethickness T₁. That is, the central plane 36 is substantially centeredaxially within the body 12. Each of the spherical components 24 has aradius of R₁, which is about twice T₁, although R₁ may be any value thatenables the fidget spinner 10 to function as described herein.Furthermore, each of the spherical components 24 define a center point38, a diametrical axis 40 extending through the center point 38, and adiametrical plane 42 intersecting the center point 38 and extendingperpendicular to the diametrical axis 40. As shown in FIG. 4, when thespherical component 24 is coupled to the body 12 such that thediametrical plane 42 is coincident to the central plane 36, the innerwall 32 extends about the spherical component 24 and projects at anangle A₁ in each axial direction relative to the spherical component 24.In one suitable embodiment, the angle A₁ is in a range between abouttwenty-three degrees (23°) and about thirty-seven degrees (37°). In theexample embodiment, the angle is preferably about thirty (30°). In suchembodiments, each of the spherical components 24 extend outwardly beyondthe opposite side of the arms 26 of the body 12.

In the exemplary embodiment, the body 12 includes a plurality ofcircumferentially-extending connector elements 43 extending betweenadjacent arms 26. The connector elements 43 are spaced radially outwardfrom the central body portion 14, defining an empty space therebetween.As best shown in FIG. 3, the connector elements 43 are substantiallycentered on an arc extending through a center of eachcomponent-receiving opening 30. As illustrated in FIG. 4, the connectorelements 43 have a generally rectangular cross-sectional shape. It isalso noted that the illustrated connector elements 43 cooperatively forma concentric ring (relative to the central body portion 14) thatintersects the arms 26.

In the exemplary embodiment, the bearing assembly 16 relativelyrotatable races 44 and 46. The bearing assembly 16 is most preferably aball bearing assembly with a plurality of balls 48 rotatably positionedbetween the races 44 and 46. In the illustrated embodiment, the race 44is spaced radially inward of the race 46. The race 46 of the bearingassembly 16 is coupled to the body 12 via the central aperture 18. Asdescribed above, the grasping caps 22 are disposed along the top andbottom of the bearing assembly 16 in an axially opposite manner.

Referring to FIGS. 2 and 4, each grasping cap 22 includes anaxially-extending short annular wall 50 and an axially-extending tallannular wall 52 positioned concentric with and radially within the shortannular wall 50. As best shown in FIG. 4, the short annular wall 50functions to limit the distance the grasping cap 22 may extend into theinner race 44. The tall annular wall extends into an aperture of theinner race 44 for securing the grasping cap in place. Each grasping cap22 may be secured to the inner race 44 of the bearing assembly 16 via aninterference fit to facilitate securing the grasping cap 22 to the innerrace 44. In other embodiments, the fit may be a slip fit or any otherfit that enables the fidget spinner 10 to function as described herein.Additionally or alternatively, the grasping caps 22 may be coupled tothe inner race 44 through use of a glue or adhesive. For example, anadhesive is preferably applied to each tall annular wall 52 and/or tothe inner surface of the inner race 44. The adhesive may be applied in arandom dispersion, over the entire surfaces, in the form of a bead, orin a predetermined pattern (e.g., a grid or a plurality of evenly spacedapart dots).

Alternatively, in an embodiment illustrated in FIG. 5, a pair ofalternate grasping caps 54 and 56 are coupled to each other by athreaded grasping cap post or shaft, such as a threaded grasping cappost 58, wherein the threaded grasping cap post 58 extends through theinner race 44 and is screwed into a complimentary threaded socket 60such that the grasping cap 54 is removably coupled to the grasping cap56. The grasping cap post 58 and the threaded socket 60 are sized andshaped to extend into the aperture of the inner race 44 to facilitatepositioning the grasping caps 54 and 56. Each grasping cap 54 and 56 maybe concentrically disposed relative to the inner race 44 of the bearingassembly 16 via a slip fit to facilitate positioning the grasping caps.In other embodiments, the fit may be an interference fit or any otherfit that enables the fidget spinner 10 to function as described herein.

In the exemplary embodiment, the body 12 and the grasping caps 22, 54,and 56 are preferably formed by an injection molding process from asuitable resin material, such as a synthetic resin. Alternatively, thebody 12 and the grasping caps 22, 54, and 56 may be formed from anyprocess that enables the fidget spinner to function as described herein,for example, via an additive manufacturing or 3D printing process. Inalternative embodiments, one or more of the body 12 and the graspingcaps 22, 54, and 56 may be fabricated from a metal, such as an aluminumor steel.

The bearing assembly 16 is preferably a standard ball bearing as isknown in the art, including, for example, a stainless steel, hybridceramic, or full ceramic ball bearing. In addition, the central aperture18 may be sized to receive a standard bearing size, such as, and withoutlimitation, a standard 606 bearing, 608 bearing, R188 bearing, and thelike.

The spherical components 24 are preferably formed from a metal material,including for example, and without limitation, chrome plated steel,stainless steel, brass, bronze, carbon fiber, gold, silver, platinum,titanium, and the like. In addition, to facilitate smooth rotation ofthe spherical components 24, each component preferably has a B2 mediumpolish or better.

The spherical components 24 operate to increase the mass of the fidgetspinner 10, which also increases the moment of inertia of the fidgetspinner. By placing the spherical components 24 proximate the distalends 28 of the arms 26, the moment of inertia is further increased. Anincreased moment of inertia facilitates as increased spinning time forthe fidget spinner 10.

FIG. 6 is a perspective view of an alternative spinner toy or fidgetspinner 100, and FIG. 7 is a sectional view of the fidget spinner 100,substantially similar to FIGS. 4 and 5. In the exemplary embodiment, thefidget spinner 100 is fabricated substantially similar to the fidgetspinner 10 shown in FIGS. 1-5 and includes a body having an annularcentral body portion 102 with the centrally mounted bearing assembly 16positioned within a central aperture. The fidget spinner 100 alsoincludes a plurality of the spherical components 24 coupled to arms 106.Extending between the arms 106 are a plurality ofcircumferentially-extending connector elements 104. Unlike the body 12and connector elements 43 of the fidget spinner 10 shown in FIGS. 1-5,the central body portion 102, connector elements 104, and arms 106 havesmoothed radiused edges 108.

During fabrication of the fidget spinner 10 and 100, each of thespherical components 24 are positioned within a mold cavity of theinjection mold for the fidget spinner. A suitable resin is injected intothe mold, filling the mold cavity and surrounding at least a portion ofthe spherical components 24. As the resin material cools, it shrinksslightly, thereby defining the gap 34 that enables the sphericalcomponents 24 to rotate relative to the body of the fidget spinner 10and 100. As described herein, the arms 26, 106 of the body surroundrespective spherical components 24 to retain the spherical componentwithin the semi-spherical component-receiving opening 30. Thisfacilitates the fidget spinner 10 and 100 to be used as a pendulum bygrasping one of the spherical components 24 between the user's fingers,allowing the remaining parts of the fidget spinner to freely swing.

Described herein are embodiments of fidget spinners having sphericalcomponents coupled to the distal ends of a plurality of arms extendingoutward from a central bearing assembly. The spherical componentsdescribed herein facilitate increasing the moment of inertia of thefidget spinner as well as providing spherical rotation of the fidgetspinner about the spherical components. This is advantageous because itfacilitates increasing the spinning time of the fidget spinner andprovides a pendulum-like swinging of the body of the fidget spinner.Injection molding the body of the fidget spinner with the sphericalcomponents in place in the mold facilitates providing the necessary gapto provide rotation of the components while retaining them within thearms and reducing the cost and time to manufacture the fidget spinnersdescribed herein, for example, by eliminating expensive tooling todefine semi-spherical pockets for the spherical components and insertingthe components after molding of the body.

Although specific features of various embodiments of the disclosure maybe shown in some drawings and not in others, this is for convenienceonly. In accordance with the principles of the disclosure, any featureof a drawing may be referenced and/or claimed in combination with anyfeature of any other drawing.

This written description uses examples to disclose the embodiments,including the best mode, and to enable any person skilled in the art topractice the embodiments, including making and using any devices orsystems and performing any incorporated methods. The patentable scope ofthe disclosure is defined by the claims, and may include other examplesthat occur to those skilled in the art. Such other examples are intendedto be within the scope of the claims if they have structural elementsthat do not differ from the literal language of the claims, or if theyinclude equivalent structural elements with insubstantial differencesfrom the literal language of the claims.

What is claimed is:
 1. A fidget spinner comprising: a body including acentral body portion and a plurality of arms, each arm of said pluralityof arms projecting outwardly from said central body portion to present adistal end; a bearing assembly coupled to said central body portion; anda plurality of spherical components, each spherical component of saidplurality of spherical components being rotatably supported adjacentsaid distal end of a respective arm of said plurality of arms.
 2. Thefidget spinner in accordance with claim 1, said plurality of armsextending radially from the central portion of the body.
 3. The fidgetspinner in accordance with claim 2, said plurality of arms beingequidistantly spaced angularly apart.
 4. The fidget spinner inaccordance with claim 3, said central body portion presenting a centerrotational axis, said plurality of arms being at least substantiallyequal in length such that said distal ends are spaced about the samedistance from the center rotational axis.
 5. The fidget spinner inaccordance with claim 3, said plurality of arms comprising three arms.6. The fidget spinner in accordance with claim 1, said central bodyportion presenting a center rotational axis, said central body portioncomprising opposite axial sides.
 7. The fidget spinner in accordancewith claim 6, said bearing assembly comprising axially opposite graspingcaps rotatable relative to said central body portion.
 8. The fidgetspinner in accordance with claim 7, said bearing assembly comprisingopposed, relatively rotatable races, said grasping caps being fixed to afirst race of said races, with a second race of said races being fixedto said central body portion, such that said grasping caps are rotatabletogether relative to said body.
 9. The fidget spinner in accordance withclaim 8, said first race being radially interior of said second race.10. The fidget spinner in accordance with claim 9, said bearing assemblycomprising a plurality of ball bearings rotatably positioned betweensaid races.
 11. The fidget spinner in accordance with claim 8, saidcentral body portion presenting a central aperture centered relative tothe rotational axis, said bearing assembly being received within saidcentral aperture.
 12. The fidget spinner in accordance with claim 8, afirst grasping cap of said grasping caps comprising a threaded shaft,and a second grasping cap of said grasping caps comprising a threadedsocket threadably receiving the threaded shaft.
 13. The fidget spinnerin accordance with claim 6, each of said axial sides of said centralbody portion being substantially planer, said axial sides beingsubstantially parallel.
 14. The fidget spinner in accordance with claim1, said central body portion presenting a center rotational axis, saideach arm comprising opposite axial sides, said each spherical componentbeing sized to extend outwardly beyond said axial sides of saidrespective arm.
 15. The fidget spinner in accordance with claim 1, saideach arm presenting a component-receiving opening adjacent said distalend thereof, said component-receiving opening rotatably receiving acorresponding spherical component of said plurality of sphericalcomponents therein.
 16. The fidget spinner in accordance with claim 15,said component-receiving opening being defined by an interior,frusto-spherically shaped annular wall.
 17. The fidget spinner inaccordance with claim 16, said corresponding spherical componentincluding a center, a diametrical axis extending through the center, anda diametrical plane intersecting the center and being perpendicular tothe diametrical axis, said annular wall extending about the diametricalplane of said corresponding spherical component and projecting at leastabout thirty degrees in each axial direction relative thereto.
 18. Thefidget spinner in accordance with claim 17, said central body portionpresenting a center rotational axis, said each arm presenting oppositeaxial sides, said corresponding spherical component being sized toextend outwardly beyond said axial sides of said each arm.
 19. Thefidget spinner in accordance with claim 1, said body comprising anintegrally formed solid structure.
 20. The fidget spinner in accordancewith claim 19, said body being molded of synthetic resin, said eachspherical component being metal.